Parts for your 2012 Ford Falcon-Wheel bearings

2012 Ford Falcon wheel-bearings

Wheel-bearings are absolutely fitted to the 2012 Ford Falcon (FG/FG MkII). Technical sources including the Ford Australia FG/FG MkII Workshop Manual, Ford Microcat parts catalogue, and major bearing application guides from SKF and Timken all list sealed hub-and-bearing units for the front, and hub/bearing assemblies for the rear across sedan and ute variants. So wheel-bearings are relevant to every 2012 Falcon on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

On this model, the wheel-bearings are sealed, pre-greased units that let the wheels spin smoothly, carry vehicle load, and keep tyre noise and vibration down. They also house the ABS tone/encoder rings, so a crook bearing can throw ABS and stability control out of whack. Because they’re sealed, they aren’t designed for periodic greasing—when worn, the whole hub-and-bearing assembly is replaced.

Good servicing habits make a big difference. During routine services, a quick check at each corner helps: spin the wheel, listen for a droning growl, and rock it at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions to feel for play. After a heavy kerb strike, big pothole, track day, or floodwater crossing, it’s smart to recheck—impacts and water ingress are common culprits. Many Falcons will go well past 120,000–200,000 km on original bearings if the tyres are kept balanced, wheel nuts are torqued correctly, and suspension bushes are healthy.

• Typical warning signs:
  • Humming or rumbling that rises with speed, often changing when weaving the car slightly.
  • ABS light or erratic speed-sensor readings (damaged encoder inside the hub).
  • Heat at the hub after a drive, or noticeable wheel play on a hoist.
• Helpful tips:
  • Rotate tyres regularly and keep pressures right to reduce bearing load.
  • Avoid pressure-washing directly at hub seals.
  • If replacing, use quality hub assemblies and new hardware, follow Ford torque specs.

Replacement on the 2012 Falcon is straightforward for a pro: the front is a bolt-on hub/bearing unit, and the rear is a hub/bearing assembly on the IRS. A proper torque wrench, new axle/hub nuts where specified, and care with the ABS lead are musts. Pressing or hammering on the inner race will kill a new unit fast, so correct installation technique matters. After fitting, a road test for noise and an ABS scan is a tidy way to sign it off.

How do they know if their 2012 Falcon’s wheel-bearings are failing?

Most drivers notice a steady humming that gets louder with speed and changes when gently veering left or right. There may be slight steering vibration, heat at the hub, or a touch of play when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock. An ABS warning can also point to a failing bearing hub with a damaged encoder ring.

Do Falcon wheel-bearings need greasing or adjustment?

No. The 2012 FG/FG MkII uses sealed hub-and-bearing units front and rear. They’re pre-lubed at the factory and non-adjustable. If worn, noisy, or loose, the correct fix is to replace the entire hub assembly and torque it to Ford specifications.

What does a replacement usually cost in Australia or New Zealand?

Ballpark only: quality aftermarket hub assemblies commonly run $150–$350 per corner, with labour from about 1.0–1.5 hours front and 1.5–2.5 hours rear depending on tools and condition. Fitted pricing often lands somewhere between $350 and $800 per side, varying by workshop rates and parts choice.